“This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace,” Trump wrote.
He thanked mediators from Qatar, Egypt and Türkiye for the “historic and unprecedented event.”
Speaking to reporters earlier in the day at the White House, Trump said he may travel to the Middle East “sometime toward the end of the week.”
Israel and Hamas began indirect negotiations over a Gaza ceasefire in Egypt’s Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday.
Since the war erupted on Oct. 7, 2023, Israeli airstrikes have devastated the Gaza Strip, causing widespread famine and displacement, and killing at least 67,183 people and injuring 169,841 others, according to Gaza’s health authorities.
The tranche, which was oversubscribed, follows the successful listing of the first tranche valued at Frw 3 billion, bringing the company’s total raised funds under the program to the full Frw 5 billion.
Speaking at the listing ceremony, RSE Chief Executive Officer Pierre Celestin Rwabukumba said the development reflects investor confidence in Rwanda’s capital market and the agricultural sector.
“This achievement highlights the vitality of our market as a preferred platform for capital raising. The funds raised through this bond will be directly channeled into projects that ensure the benefits of agriculture extend far beyond the field,” he stated.
Echoing the sentiment, Capital Market Authority CEO Thapelo Tsheole noted that Mahwi’s success demonstrates the steady evolution of Rwanda’s capital market.
“The new tranche increases the diversity of fixed-income instruments and signals a market that shows steady maturation, broader opportunities, and stronger collaboration across issuers, intermediaries, and investors,” Tsheole said.
For Mahwi Grain Millers, the listing signifies market trust, moving beyond a simple financing transaction. Company Chairperson Chantal Habiyakare explained that issuing the bond in two tranches was a deliberate confidence-building strategy.
“We issued the bond in two tranches because we wanted to build confidence in the market, and today’s listing proves that we have succeeded. As a company, we have experienced tremendous growth since the listing of the first tranche,” she said.
Founded in 2018, Mahwi Grain Millers specialises in processing grains into food and animal feed at an industrial scale. The company currently produces 150 metric tons of refined maize flour per day, supplying both domestic and regional markets.
The latest listing further strengthens the RSE’s corporate bond board, which now counts five corporate bonds alongside 85 treasury bonds and 10 listed companies. Since its incorporation in 2005, the RSE has been a central player in mobilising long-term domestic and international capital for Rwanda’s economic transformation.
Afreximbank, a Pan-African multilateral financial institution established in 1993, is dedicated to promoting intra- and extra-African trade across its 53 African and 13 Caribbean member states.
The high-level workshop and launch event held at the Kigali Marriott Hotel brought together key stakeholders, including policymakers, financial institutions, trade promotion agencies, private sector associations, and exporters and importers, to explore how digital platforms can accelerate trade growth and regional integration in Rwanda and beyond.
Themed “Boosting Trade in Rwanda through the Africa Trade Gateway (ATG),” the launch marked the introduction of the ATG platform in Rwanda, a digital ecosystem designed to simplify cross-border trade, lower costs, and improve transparency.
The event also showcased Afreximbank’s commitment to supporting Rwanda’s National Export Strategy II, Digital Transformation Strategy, and the country’s broader ambition to become a regional hub for innovation, logistics, and trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
{{A step toward digital trade integration
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The ATG platform was inaugurated by the Afreximbank in June 2023, in collaboration with the AfCFTA Secretariat. It offers integrated access to essential trade services such as trade finance, payment systems, due diligence services, and market intelligence—all of which align with Rwanda’s priorities to enhance SME competitiveness, digital inclusion, and export diversification.
In his remarks, Emeka Onyia, Director of Digital Banking at Afreximbank, emphasised that the Africa Trade Gateway (ATG) is crucial to transforming how African businesses interact. He noted that 90 banks across 35 countries and 9,000 verified companies are already trading on the platform.
“But I tell you this is not a vision anymore, this is a reality. ATG is live, and across Africa, right now, we have 90 banks accounting across 35 countries that have joined the ATG ecosystem. We have 9,000 verified companies that are trading…And to date, we have computed bills in excess of $200 million this year alone,” Onyia said.
At the same time, Onyia noted that Rwanda’s strategic location and commitment to digital solutions position it as a leader in driving this transformation across the continent.
{{Rwanda’s strategic role in the AfCFTA
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The workshop also served as a platform to discuss how Rwanda’s active participation in the AfCFTA can be supported by digital trade tools like the ATG. Dr. Alexis Kabayiza, Chief Technical Advisor to Rwanda’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, highlighted Rwanda’s role in regional trade integration.
He remarked that the government’s digital transformation efforts, including the Rwanda Electronic Single Window and Umucyo e-procurement platform, have already streamlined trade processes within the country. With the introduction of the ATG, he noted that Rwanda aims to further enhance its digital infrastructure, making it a competitive trade hub in the region.
“To achieve the promise of AfCFTA, we must strengthen the enablers of trade, such as efficient payments, interoperable digital platforms, and harmonised regulatory frameworks. The Africa Trade Gateway is one of those innovations. It translates the AfCFTA vision into practical solutions and empowers businesses to connect, transact, and grow with confidence,” Dr. Kabayiza, who represented the Minister for Trade Prudence Sebahizi at the event, stated.
{{Boosting SME competitiveness
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A key focus of the ATG platform is supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which are the backbone of Africa’s economy. The workshop included dedicated sessions where SMEs could learn how to leverage the ATG to access financing, markets, and partnerships across the continent.
Afreximbank’s initiative is in line with Rwanda’s goal of fostering an environment that supports SMEs through digital solutions and increased access to trade finance.
Businesswoman Brigette Harrington, CEO of Igire Coffee, shared her experience with the audience, noting that the Africa Trade Gateway plays a critical role in helping businesses like hers navigate the complexities of cross-border trade.
“The world duty on this is 20%. Under AfCFTA, my customer will pay 2.5%… It’s about levelling the playing field so that when you ship your products from here to another African country, you can at least compete… ATG provides a platform, like an e-commerce platform, where you can list your products and also show how a person can make a purchase,” Harrington said.
{{Collaborative effort for future trade success
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Afreximbank’s collaboration with local institutions such as the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), and the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) was emphasised throughout the event.
The partnerships are integral to embedding the ATG platform within Rwanda’s broader trade facilitation and investment promotion ecosystem.
Panel discussions focused on the importance of creating a harmonised regulatory framework and developing secure digital identities to further enhance the ease of doing business within the region.
The Africa Trade Gateway initiative builds on successful workshops held in Kenya and Ethiopia, where participants emphasised the central role of digital trade infrastructure in realising the AfCFTA’s potential.
Rwanda’s proactive approach to innovation and trade facilitation, combined with its strong commitment to digital inclusion, positions it as an ideal partner in Afreximbank’s mission to deepen continental integration through digital transformation and inclusive trade.
As the workshop concluded, stakeholders voiced their optimism about the future of African trade, with the ATG providing the tools and infrastructure necessary to bridge the gap between Africa’s potential and its trading realities.
The week-long initiative, which began on Monday, was officially opened at the bank’s CHIC headquarters in Kigali under the leadership of the new Managing Director, Serge Atikossie.
Speaking at the launch, Atikossie described the week as an opportunity to deepen ties with customers, stressing that they remain at the centre of all the bank’s activities.
“For us at BOA, we are proud to have you as our clients. We are here for you, which is why these seven days are so important. You are the reason we exist, and we value sharing this time with you,” he said.
As part of the program, bank staff will meet customers directly to present available services, gather feedback, and understand client needs. Gahizi Bienvenue, Manager of the CHIC Branch, noted that the approach focuses on reaching out to customers rather than waiting for them to come to the bank.
Customers attending the launch praised BOA’s service delivery, highlighting the bank’s support for business growth and satisfaction with its operations.
Bank of Africa, an international commercial bank with over 40 years of experience, operates in more than 18 African countries. In Rwanda, the bank has branches across all provinces and in Kigali, ensuring broad accessibility for clients nationwide.
At a recent investor presentation in Washington, D.C., officials showcased the country’s strong economic trajectory, crediting disciplined reforms, sound governance, and a sustained push in infrastructure development.
Despite being landlocked, Rwanda has leveraged its strategic location, progressive policies, and long-term Vision 2050 plan to position itself as a regional hub of stability and growth.
With a growing business ecosystem, the country is opening opportunities across sectors ranging from green energy to infrastructure, making it an increasingly compelling choice for investors looking to tap into Africa’s emerging markets.
Here are the ten key factors that continue to define Rwanda’s investor appeal.
{{1. Political stability and strong governance
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Rwanda’s reputation for order and predictability continues to anchor investor confidence. The World Justice Project ranks it first in Africa and 27th globally for order and security, while governance indicators show strong control of corruption (73.1 percentile) and effective institutions (61.5 percentile).
This combination of transparency and accountability creates a low-risk environment, one where long-term investments can thrive without fear of sudden policy shifts or instability.
{{2. Rapid and resilient economic growth
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Few African economies have maintained Rwanda’s momentum. Between 2021 and 2024, GDP grew by an average of 9.1%, powered by a balanced mix of services (48%), industry (21%), and agriculture (25%).
The growth has been inclusive: child mortality has dropped by two-thirds, and nearly every Rwandan child now completes primary school. The country’s economic progress tells a broader story of resilience, human development, and an expanding middle class.
{{3. Vision 2050: A clear roadmap for prosperity
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Rwanda’s long-term blueprint, Vision 2050, lays out a bold ambition to become a high-income, service- and industry-led economy.
The National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), covering 2024–2029, sets a target of 10%+ annual GDP growth, coupled with higher savings and export growth. For investors, this clarity of purpose and policy continuity signals reliability, a rare asset in many emerging markets.
{{4. Ambitious infrastructure investments
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Infrastructure development remains central to Rwanda’s transformation. The flagship Bugesera International Airport, a $840 million project co-developed with Qatar, is designed to handle 8.2 million passengers annually by 2028 and up to 14 million by 2032.
The Nyabarongo II hydropower plant, currently halfway complete, is expected to add 43.5 MW of clean energy and support irrigation across 20,000 hectares of farmland. New roads, upgraded water systems, and modern training centres are also connecting communities and reducing business costs, making Rwanda a logistics-friendly hub in East Africa.
{{5. Rising aviation and logistics hub
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With its strategic location and modernising infrastructure, Kigali is positioning itself as a continental gateway.
RwandAir’s expanding fleet and the upcoming airport are part of a wider ambition to integrate with Africa’s Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). As intra-African air travel is projected to hit 80 million passengers by 2030, Rwanda’s connectivity will underpin growth in tourism, trade, and regional corporate investment.
{{6. Leading Africa’s green transformation
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Rwanda is also emerging as a continental leader in sustainable growth. It was the first African country to update its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and has pledged to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.
Its Green Fund (FONERWA) has mobilised $200 million, created 140,000 green jobs, and attracted international partnerships, including $319 million from the IMF’s Resilience and Sustainability Trust. With a national green taxonomy now in place, Rwanda is showing that climate responsibility can be an engine of innovation and investment.
{{7. Inclusive growth and gender equality
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Rwanda’s social transformation is one of its strongest calling cards. Women make up 63.75% of Parliament and 51.9% of Cabinet, the highest representation in the world.
Access to electricity jumped from 22% in 2014 to 72% in 2024, and 92% of adults now use formal financial services. These social gains are not just moral victories; they create a stable, skilled workforce and a consumer market primed for responsible, inclusive growth.
{{8. Tourism and global branding power
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Tourism continues to drive Rwanda’s service economy, growing 4% in 2024 despite global challenges. The country’s appeal lies in its mix of natural beauty and high-end experiences, from mountain gorilla trekking to world-class events.
“The “Visit Rwanda” brand, supported by partnerships with Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich, has elevated the country’s profile on the global stage by blending tourism with soft power and international business visibility.
More recently, Rwanda signed long-term agreements with the Los Angeles Clippers (NBA) and the Los Angeles Rams (NFL) in September 2025, marking the first time an African tourism brand has partnered with both an NBA and an NFL team.”
{{9. Financial and macroeconomic stability
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Rwanda’s fiscal discipline and sound monetary management have helped the country maintain investor confidence.
Foreign reserves cover 5.4 months of imports, inflation eased to 4.8% in 2024, and public debt remains within IMF sustainability thresholds. The banking sector is healthy, with capital adequacy ratios above 20% and non-performing loans declining. This macroeconomic stability offers investors the predictability they need to plan long-term.
{{10. Investor-friendly reforms and capital access
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Rwanda has consistently ranked among the world’s easiest places to do business. It now sits 5th globally for business environment and 3rd in Africa as a financial centre.
Recent reforms include modernised tax laws, simplified investment codes, and a maturing capital market offering bonds of up to 20 years. These measures have strengthened investor confidence and made Rwanda an emerging hub for African finance and innovation.
As outlined in the Washington presentation, Rwanda’s development model blends vision, accountability, and innovation.
From sound governance to green ambition, the country continues to attract investors seeking sustainable opportunities in Africa’s new growth frontier.
For global partners, Rwanda represents more than an emerging market. Observers increasingly view it as a blueprint for transformation rooted in discipline, inclusivity, and long-term vision.
The first is a US $20 million (approximately Frw 29 billion) loan to expand the Karenge Water Project’s transmission and distribution systems.
This project is a critical step towards Rwanda’s goal of achieving 100% access to clean water and sanitation by 2029.
It will directly increase safe water access for households in Kigali and Rwamagana districts, enhance the water sector’s resilience to climate change, and improve the standard of living for citizens.
A second agreement provides a US $25 million line of credit to the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) to bolster private sector and Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) development. This financing is a key driver for job creation and economic growth.
Godfrey Kabera, Minister of State for National Treasury highlighted that these agreements reinforce the five-decade partnership between Rwanda and BADEA, a collaboration that has been instrumental in driving development across the country’s economy.
“We look forward to scaling up this partnership through new approaches and highly scalable funding for strategic projects,” he stated.
Commenting on the development, Dr. Fahad Al-Dossari, Chairman of BADEA’s Board of Directors, said: “Today marks a new milestone in our long-standing partnership. We are pleased to support Rwanda’s sustainable development goals with $20 million to enhance clean water access and a further $25 million to accelerate the private sector’s role as an engine of growth and job creation.”
The CEO of BRD, Sayinzoga Kampeta Picthette, stated that the loan provided will help support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in accessing low-interest loans and increasing exports.
On the other hand, the CEO of WASAC Group, Asaph Kabasha, mentioned that the expansion work on the Karenge plant in Rwamagana has begun and is already 18% complete.
The plant is expected to increase its capacity to process 48,000 cubic meters of water, up from the current 12,000 cubic meters. This will contribute to addressing water shortage issues in Kigali and the Eastern Province.
Rwanda’s cooperation with BADEA dates back to 1974. To date, BADEA’s portfolio in Rwanda is estimated at over US $300 million, financing key sectors such as agriculture, energy, water, and transport, which are vital to achieving the objectives of Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and Vision 2050.
The complaint, filed on October 1, 2025, was signed by about 50 individuals, including law professors, lawyers, and public figures. They argue that Italy’s provision of arms to Israel has contributed to the ongoing genocide and war crimes against the Palestinian people.
Meloni first addressed the complaint in an interview with Italy’s state television company, RAI, where she confirmed that Defence Minister Guido Crosetto and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani were also named in the legal action.
She speculated that Roberto Cingolani, head of Italy’s aerospace and weapons company Leonardo, could also be implicated due to his role in supplying military equipment to Israel.
The complaint asserts that by supporting Israel, particularly through the supply of lethal weapons, the Italian government has become complicit in the genocide and serious war crimes being committed in Gaza.
“By supporting the Israeli government, particularly through the supply of lethal weapons, the Italian government has become complicit in the ongoing genocide and the extremely serious war crimes and crimes against humanity committed against the Palestinian people,” authors of the filing wrote.
The Palestinian advocacy group behind the complaint is urging the ICC to investigate whether Italy’s actions meet the legal criteria for genocide, a serious accusation that could have significant legal and political consequences.
The group argues that Italy’s support for Israel’s military operations exacerbates the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and has directly contributed to civilian casualties.
This case comes amid growing international scrutiny of Israel’s actions in Gaza, where accusations of war crimes and genocide have been leveled by multiple human rights organizations and international bodies.
According to Aljazeera, domestic protests have already erupted, with critics calling for Italy to cease its military support for Israel and to reconsider its stance on the conflict.
Labor unions and human rights groups have also joined the calls for accountability, urging the government to stop the supply of arms to Israel and to advocate for Palestinian rights on the international stage.
The ICC is yet to confirm whether it will formally open an investigation.
This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for Mützig as it continues to deepen its connection with bold, ambitious consumers across Rwanda.
With its bold positioning that celebrates “the wins — big or small,” Mützig stands for progress, confidence, and living boldly.
Chriss Eazy perfectly embodies this spirit — his journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of Rwanda’s most celebrated artists mirrors Mützig’s belief that every achievement, no matter the size, deserves to be celebrated.
As the official brand ambassador, Chriss Eazy will play a key role in upcoming campaigns, events, and activations, bringing the Mützig experience to life through music, culture, and shared celebration.
“We are excited to welcome Chriss Eazy to the Mützig family,” said the Mützig Brand Manager. “His passion, drive, and originality align perfectly with Mützig’s values. This partnership is about more than endorsement – it’s about inspiring Rwandans to keep celebrating their progress, big or small.”
“It’s an honor to represent Mützig – a brand that celebrates growth, confidence, and bold living. Together, we’re going to create moments that uplift and connect people. I can’t wait for what’s ahead.”
{{About Mützig}}
Mützig is a beer brand committed to delivering high-quality products and memorable experiences to consumers.
With a reputation for celebrating progression, Mützig continues to lead in the beverage industry and foster meaningful connections with its audience.
For more information or media inquiries, Mützig encourages individuals to visit their social media platforms on [Instagram->https://www.instagram.com/mutzigrwanda/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=Y2YyNWQzNDVqdXB3#] and [Facebook->https://www.facebook.com/mutzigrwanda/about?_rdc=1&_rdr#].
The brand invites everyone to join in welcoming Chriss Eazy to the Mützig family and looks forward to sharing exciting collaborations in the future.
In his address during a police graduation ceremony in eastern Cairo, President Sisi invited US President Donald Trump to attend the signing ceremony of the ceasefire agreement, should the talks reach a successful conclusion.
Sisi stated, “I invite US President Donald Trump to attend the signing of the ceasefire agreement in Egypt if it is reached. It would be wonderful to have you here.”
According to media reports, the talks have seen high-level involvement, with US envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman actively participating.
Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin and Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer are also expected to join the negotiations.
On September 29, Trump unveiled a 20-point proposal that includes the release of Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a ceasefire, the disarmament of Hamas, and the rebuilding of Gaza. Hamas has agreed to the plan in principle.
The ongoing conflict has devastated Gaza, with over 67,000 Palestinians, primarily women and children, killed since October 2023.
According to the WTO’s latest Global Trade Outlook and Statistics report, global GDP is projected to grow by 2.7 percent in 2025 and 2.6 percent in 2026.
The report said the volume of world merchandise trade, as measured by the average of exports and imports, expanded by 4.9 percent year-on-year in the first half of this year.
The WTO attributed the strong performance to several factors, including frontloading of imports in North America ahead of expected higher U.S. tariffs, disinflation and supportive fiscal policies, solid growth in emerging markets, and a surge in trade of AI-related goods.
Trade among developing economies also saw a notable rise. The value of South-South trade climbed 8 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2025, outpacing the 6 percent growth in overall global trade value.
AI-related goods, including semiconductors, servers, and telecommunications equipment, played a particularly significant role, accounting for nearly half of total trade growth during the same six-month period. The trade value of such products surged 20 percent year-on-year.
At a press conference, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said that despite the “stiff headwinds” from the U.S. unilateral actions and unprecedented rise in trade policy uncertainty, trade has shown resilience. She stressed that such resilience underscores that there is a core in the multilateral trading system that continues to work well.
The report said the main downside risk to the outlook is the spread of trade-restrictive measures and policy uncertainty to more economies and sectors.
It warned that rising import prices and slower trade shipments could signal higher inflation later this year, as inventories decline in sectors heavily affected by tariffs.
According to the report, trade performance varies widely across regions. Asia and Africa are expected to record the fastest export growth in 2025, while Europe will likely see slower growth and North America will face declining exports.
The report also noted that the growth of services exports, though indirectly affected by tariffs, is set to slow from 6.8 percent in 2024 to 4.6 percent in 2025, and further to 4.4 percent in 2026.
Europe is projected to lead services export growth in 2025, followed by Asia, the Middle East, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), it added.
